Responding to sibling sexual abuse: What to do and why
Lots of good information here, especially because, in my experience, I do not think many parents would react this way. It’s too difficult to react emotionally, one way or another, and not do what’s best for all of your children.
Were you sexually abused by a sibling? What kinds of complications did that create within the family dynamic?
What we don’t hear a lot about are the details, specifically, about what happens when the treatment resources don’t exist to meet the need. We may not think we are rounding up unhoused people and putting them in jails, but where do we think they will go when there aren’t enough treatment options? That’s going to include a lot of kids escaping abusive homes. Other kids end up hanging around the ER waiting for treatment if they aren’t in a penal facility already. Plenty of others remain in dangerous situations while they and their parents stay and search for somewhere to get treatment. Â
In the end, here’s the thing. You, and your kids, are not a study. You are all individuals, who may be negatively impacted by social media, or not. You may need to consider not using it, you may need to consider changing up who you’re following to get stuff that is good for your mental health into your feeds, or you may be perfectly fine using it the way you are. It might even be helping you and having a positive impact on your lives.
Only you can truly judge that. If it’s harming you, I hope you’ll consider making changes. Follow the social media accounts for this blog if you want to start getting more information like this, or just stop using it altogether. If it’s helping you feel supported and less alone in the world, then enjoy that and I hope you’ll continue to share that within your social media circles.
As I have said many times – do what works for you.
I, obviously, agree. Awareness is great. Ending stigma, and having a crisis resource is great. It’s also not enough. What are we doing after the immediate crisis to prevent the next one, or to provide treatment and resources for all of the people who aren’t getting any now? What are we doing to accommodate people in the workplace who need to see a therapist on the regular, or need to be medicated and have some accommodation made? What are insurance companies doing to make sure mental health coverage is on par with physical health coverage, and who is enforcing the law when it isn’t? What are we doing to support families and loved ones who are doing their best to support people dealing with mental health issues?
As long as there are still so many not getting the help they need, the obvious answer to all of these questions is, not enough.
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We talk about stigma for folks dealing with mental illness, but probably no one get stigmatized more than children with mental illnesses. This a great story about how bad it can be for those kids, but also how, with the correct, treatment, these same kids can go on and lead great lives. 5 Things I…
The wife wanted to go see Love and Mercy this past weekend, and wanting to be a good husband, off we went to the theater! If you’re not familiar with Love and Mercy, it is the story of former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his mental illness. The film cuts back and forth between a…
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The abuser of my childhood and teen-age years was an older sibling –
http://www.livingwell.org.au/from-men/stories-of-mens-experience/johns-story/
Thanks for sharing your story John!
You are always welcome, Mike – when I read your post, I was pleased to be able to contribute. 🙂
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